Attache case and combined partition and desk therefor



Nov, 26, 1963 L LIFTON 3,112,017

ATTACHE CASE AND COMBINED PARTITION AND DESK THEREFOR Filed Jan. 9, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 .L'Ew/sL/F-ro/v. BY

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ATTORNEIS! Nov. 26, 1963 LIFTON 3,112,017

ATTACHE CASE AND COMBINED PARTITION AND DESK THEREFOR Filed Jan. 9, 1963 s Sheets-Shem 2 INVENTOR. LEW/5L Fro/V.

Nov. 26,1963 LIFTON ,017

ATTACK-1E CASE AND COMBINED PARTITION AND DESK THEREFOR Filed Jan. 9, 1965 s sheets-sheet s IN VEN TOR. Lew/s L/Fr'cw States I, 3,112,017 Patented Nov. 26, 1963 3,112,t}17 ATTACHE CASE AND CGMBENED PARTHIUN AND DEK THEREFGR Lewis Litton, 35 E. 75th St., New York 21, N31. Filed Jan. 9, 11963, Ser. No. 250,443 '7 Qlaims. (Cl. 190-11) This invention relates generally to attach or carrying cases and, more particularly, to an attache case having removably disposed in the lower compartment thereof a partition, the partition being pivotally mounted, whereby it functions to conceal the articles stored in the lower compartment and as a writing surface when in a closed position, and can be pivoted to an open position and retained in that position to permit access to the articles in the lower compartment.

This is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Serial No. 185,726 filed April 6, 196 2, and now abandoned, for Attache Case and Combined Partition and Desk Therefor, which in turn was a continuation-inpart of my then co-pending application Serial No. 51,55 8 filed August 24, 1960, and now abandoned, for Attach Case and Combined Partition and Desk Therefor.

Due to the varied uses and applications of attache cases, they have, to a large extent, replaced brief cases and certain types of luggage carriers. This has been occasioned by the fact that attach cases may be used both to carry articles of wearing apparel and o ifice material, the former being maintained separate and apart from the latter. In general, the bottom housing or compartment of the attache case is used to store articles of wearing apparel, while the compartment in the lid is provided with means for storing iiles or papers. The disadvantage of presently available attache cases is that either no means are provided for dividing the material stored in the upper compartment from the material stored in the lower compartment, or else the partitions or dividers used are difficult to install and remove. It is undesirable not to provide any partition since, if the attach case is used for business purposes, it is desired to conceal the articles stored in the lower compartment. Another disadvantage is that, once the partition is removed, no means are provided for storing it or retaining it in an open position to provide access to the articles stored in the lower compartment.

In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide an attache case with a removable partition in the lower compartment which is simple to remove and which, when in place, completely conceals the articles stored in the lower compartment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an attache case in which the partition provided in the lower compartment may be used as a writing surface or desk.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an attache case with a partition in the lower compartment which may be quickly and easily pivoted to an open position.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an attach case with a partition in the lower compartment which is removable and pivotable, and which may be simply pivoted to an inoperative position and retained in said position.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an attache case with a partition in the lower compartment thereof which is removable and pivotable, and to provide means which may effectively removably fasten the front edge of said partition in an operative position.

These and further objects and features of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description, to be read in conjunction with the accompanying 2 drawings, wherein like components in the several views are identified by the same reference numerals.

in the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attach case embodying the features of the present invention, the partition being shown in the normally closed position to conceal the articles stored in the lower compartment and also permitting the partition to function as a writing surface;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating the partition in a normally open position to permit access to the articles stored in the lower compartment, the partition being shown retained in an open position to prevent interference with removal of the articles in the lower compartment;

PEG. 3 is a cross-section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating an embodiment of the invention for pivotally and removably supporting the partition within the lower compartment of the attach case;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a detail of the embodiment illustrated in FlG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the invention for removably supporting the partition within the lower compartment of the attach case;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken on the line 7-7 of P16. 6, and also including the partition engaged with the lower compartment of the attach case;

HQ. 8 is a ClOSS-SClllOl'l&l view similar to FIG. 7, but illustrating another embodiment of my invention;

MG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7, but showing still another embodiment of my invention; and

MG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7, but illustrating a further embodiment of my invention, and also including the partition engaged with the lower compartment of the attach case.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 tirough 3 thereof, there is illustrated a composite carrying and file case which is designated in general by the numeral iii. Although the carrying case may be of any desired size or configuration, it is illustrated as a box-type attach case having a lower five-sided box-like housing 11., and a five-sided box-like lid or closure element 12. The housing 11 and lid 12 are pivotably interconnected by means of hinges (not shown) which are mounted at spaced intervals on juxtaposed portions of the housing 1'1 and lid l2. The housing :111 and lid 12 are clisengageably secured in closed position by means of interengageable locking elements 13 and 14 which are mounted on juxtaposed portions of the housing 11 and lid 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 1 1 and lid 12 are provided with foldable diagonal braces 15 which limit the extent to which the lid may be swung away from the lower housing. In the illustrated embodiment, these braces =15 limit the opening of the lid 12 to approximately degrees. The lid 12.- is, therefore, approximately vertical when in open position, assuming that the housing 11']. is supported on a horizontal surface.

While the housing 11 may assume various forms, it is shown as consisting of front and rear walls to and 17, a pair of side walls 1.8 and a bottom wall 19. The lid 12 is of virtually identical construction to the housing 11 with the exception that the housing 11 is deeper to receive articles 24 to be carried in the attach case. It is to be noted that the housing 11 and lid 12 define spaces or cavities designated respectively by the numerals 2a and 21.

The recess 21 in the lid 12 is adapted to receive a fan file or other receptacle designated in general by the numeral 22. The fan file or receptacle 22 is retained within the recess 21 in the lid 12 when it is not in use, by any type of retainer. The retainers 23, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, are substantially L-shaped elements, having one leg thereof pivotably secured to the inner surfaces of the side walls of the lid 12. The other leg of the retainers 23 bear against the outer surface of the fan file 22 and prevent it from becoming dislodged from the recess 21 in the lid 12. When it is desired to re- ;move or open the fan file, the retainers 23 are simply pivoted until they are disengaged from the fan file 22 which can then be opened or removed to provide access to the interior thereof.

The recess in the housing 11 is adapted to receive wearing apparel or other articles designated in general by the numeral 24. In order to conceal the articles 24 stored in the recess 26 in the housing 11, a partition 25 is provided to enclose the recess 29. The partition 25 is pivotably mounted on the rear wall 17 of the housing 11, so that it can be swung open to provide access to the articles 24 stored in the recess 20, and then be swung back to a closed position to again conceal said articles. The partition 25 is also removably mounted in the recess 20 in a manner and for a purpose to be presently described, and, when in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1, is so supported that it may function as a desk or writing surface.

The partition 25, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, consists of a flat, elongated sheet of substantially rigid material, such as cardboard, plastic, plywood, 'woven fabric, leather or the like, and is of a size and shape to substantially enclose the recess 20 in the housing 11. In order to prevent fraying of the edges of the partition 25, they are preferably covered by a binding. The partition 25 is removably and pivotably mounted in the recess 29 in the housing 1 1 in such manner as to enclose the recess 20 while permitting the entire recess 20 to be filled with articles 24 when the partition 25 is in a closed position.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the partition 25 is pivotably and removably supported within the recess 2%) by brackets designated in general by the numeral 26, the brackets 26 being secured to the inner surface of the rear wall 17 of the housing 11. The brackets 26 are mounted at spaced positions on the rear wall 17, and, although two brackets are illustrated in the figures, additional brackets may be provided, depending on the flexibility of the partition 25 and the degree of support required. The brackets 26 consist of elongated bases 27 of rigid material which are secured to the rear wall 17 by means of rivets or screws 28. The raised U-shaped rack 29 of the bracket 26 is preferably stamped from the base 27 of the bracket 26 in order to add rigidity to the structure, but may, if desired, be welded or otherwise secured to the base 27. The rack 29 is preferably circumferentially angular shaped in crosssection with the apex of one of the angles 30 extending in a direction away from the base 27 for a purpose to be presently described. An inclined plane 31 is positioned below the U-shaped rack 29 but in close proximity thereto, and it projects downwardly away from the rear wall 17. Said inclined plane, also, is preferably stamped from the base 27 of the bracket 26, but may, if desired, be welded or otherwise secured to the base 27. The angle formed between the inclined plane 31 and the base 27 ranges from 10 to 80 degrees, preferably degrees. The upper corners 32 of the base 27 may be turned down or dog-cared and embedded in the rear wall 17 in order to add rigidity to the structure. They, also, prevent the bracket 26 from twisting.

The partition 25 is pivotably and removably interconnected with the bracket 26 by means of fingers 32 which are attached preferably to the bottom edge of the partition 25. The fingers 32 are mounted in spaced position on the partition 25 in such manner as to mate with the brackets 26. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the fingers 4 32 consist of elongated strips of spring-like substantially rigid material. One end of each finger is attached to the partition 25 by means of rivets 33 or other fastening devices, the fingers 32 being so mounted on the partition 25 that the other end thereof extends beyond the edge of the partition 25. The end of each finger 32 which is adapted to engage with the bar 34 of the raised U-shaped rack 29 of each bracket 26 is crimped or bent over on itself, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The purpose of crimping or bending the free ends of the fingers 32 is to provide a U-shaped hook 35 which can be easily engaged or disengaged from the bar 34 of the rack 29.

The free end of the U-shaped hook 35 is again crimped or bent over on itself to form a lip 36 which projects in a direction away from the partition 25. The length of the free end of the hook 35 is designed so that the outer edge of the inclined plane 31 is in frictional engagement with the lip 36 of the finger 32 when the partition 25 is in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1. In this manner, additional stability is obtained, an asset which is desirable especially when the partition is utilized as a writing surface.

It is to be noted that the apex of one of the angles 30 is in frictional engagement with the inside of the U- shaped hook 35 at all times when the finger 32 is in engagement with the bar 34 of the U-shaped rack 29 of each bracket 26. In this manner, the Ushaped hook 35 may be easily slipped over the bar 34 of the U-shaped rack 29 and not become disengaged therefrom when the partition 25 is swung through an angle of approximately degrees from the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1 to the open position illustrated in FIG. 2. Now in order to disengage the partition 25 from the bracket 26, the partition is partially rotated from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 towards the open position shown in FIG. 2 until the inclined plane 31 disengages the lip 36. Then the book 35 is slipped oil? the bar 34 and the partition may be lifted away from the file case 10. It has been found that, when the hook 35 is formed in this fashion, it may be easily engaged and disengaged from the bracket 26, while still permitting pivotable movement thereabout through an angle of approximately 90 degrees without disengagement.

In order to support the edge of the partition 25, removed from the edge having the fingers 32 secured thereto, one or more (one shown) substantially L-shaped brackets 37 are attached preferably to the bottom edge of the partition 25. The bracket 37 consists of an elongated strip of spring-like substantially rigid material. One end of the bracket 37 is attached to the partition 25 by means of rivets 3-8 or other fastening devices, the bracket 37 being so mounted on the partition 25 that the other end thereof extends beyond the edge of the partition 25. The free end of the bracket 37 is crimped or bent over on itself to form a substantially S-shaped hook 39, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The free end of the S- shaped hook 3 9 is crimped to form a lip 40 which projects in a direction away from the partition 25.

A receptacle 41 is mounted on the front wall 16 in such a manner as to mate with the bracket 37. The receptacle 41 is similar in shape and material to the aforementioned brackets 26. It is secured to the front wall '16 in a suitable manner such as by rivets (not shown). Said receptacle 41 consists of an elongated base 42, a U-shaped rack 43, an inclined plane 44 and bent back corners or dog-ears 45, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The rack 43 may be round or circumferentially angular shaped, as desired. The length of the inclined plane 44 is such that the outer face thereof is in frictional engagement with the corresponding face of lip 40, when the U-shaped rack 43 is in frictional engagement with the S-shaped hook 39, when the partition 25 is in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1. In this manner the front edge of the partition is firmly supported when the partition is utilized as a writing surface. It is readily disengageable by exerting an upward force.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 an alternate embodiment of this invention is illustrated. In order to support the edge of the partition 25, removed from the fingers 32 secured thereto, a bracket 46 is attached to the bottom edge of the partition 25. The bracket 46 consists of an elongated strip of spring-like substantially rigid material. One end of this bracket is attached to the partition 25 by means of rivets 47 or other fastening devices, the bracket 46 being so mounted on the partition 25 that the other end thereof extends beyond the edge of the partition 25. The free end of the bracket '46 is bent over on itself to form a substantially U-shaped book 48. A projection 49 being centrally located on the free end of the book 48 and jutting outwardly towards the partition 25 is preferably stamped from the parent strip material in order to yield additional flexibility.

FIGS. 8, 9 and illustrate three additional embodiments of this invention for supporting the front edge of partition by means of novel brackets. FIG. 8 shows bracket 69 which comprises two arms 61 and 62 being manufactured from an elongated strip of spring-like substantially rigid material. It is to be noted that either two separate strips may be employed or a single strip which is bent over upon itself may be utilized as desired for forming the bracket member 66. Said bracket is mounted upon the partition 25 in such a manner that the free end thereof extends beyond the front edge of the partition. The fixed end thereof is firmly attached to the partition 25 by means of rivets 64 or the like fastening means. The free ends or arms 61 and 62 of said bracket extend outwardly towards the front wall 16 and are crimped or bent over upon themselves to form substantially U- haped portions 66 and 68 respectively. The free ends of the U-shaped portions coact with each other to form a substantially O-shaped snap as shown in FIG. 8 at 7%. The extremities of the arms 61 and 62, outwardly from said O-sh-aped snap, are provided with short lip portions '72 and "74 to facilitate afiixing the bracket 60 to the front wall 16.

Referring now to FIG. 9, resilient bracket 76 is likewise fastened to partition 25 by means of rivets '78 or the like. The free end of the bracket forms a substantially W-shaped snap 80, the center of which is adapted to receive rnating means secured to the front Wall 16 as will be more fully described hereinafter.

PEG. 10 illustrates a resilient bracket 82 having a substantially W-shaped snap portion 84 which is likewise adapted to receive mating means secured to the front wall 6. The other end of the bracket -82 is firmly affixed to the partition 25 by rneans of rivets 86 provided for the purpose. interposed between the free end and the fixed end of the bracket 82 is a pull-tab or handle 88 which is (formed by means of bending the bracket over upon itself. Such handle 88 extends upwardly and back over the edge portion of the partition 25 in order to provide a convenient means for lifting the partition to its inoperable position.

A receptacle 50 is mounted on the front wall 16 in such a manner as to mate with one of the brackets 46, 6d, 76 or 82 depending upon whichever particular embodiment is being employed. This receptacle 50 is secured to the front wall in a suitable manner such as by rivets (not shown). The receptacle may consist of a shelf-like projection preferably having a rounded front edge or it may consist of an elongated base 51 and a U-shaped rack 52. The rack 52 may be round or circumferentially angular shaped, as desired. The brackets 4-6, 64 76 or 32 and the receptacle are in working relationship to each other so that they are in simultaneous frictional engagement when the partition 25 is in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, the front edge of the partition is firmly supported when the partition is utilized as a writing surface, but it is readily disengageable by exerting a slight upward force.

In order to permit the partition 25 to be readily swung from the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1 to the open position illustrated in FIG. 2, the partition 25 has secured thereto a pull-tab or handle 53. The tab 53 is mounted on the upper surface of the partition 25, preferably directly opposite the fastener 37 or 46 and may, if desired, be attached to the partition 25 at the same time as the fastener. FIG. 10 illustrates pull-tab 88 which functions in a similar manner to handle 53. In order to support the edges of the partition 25 so that the partition 25 can be used as a desk or writing surface, one or more L-shaped brackets 54 may be mounted at spaced, opposed portions on the inner surfaces of the side walls 18 of the housing 11. These brackets 54 are at the same height as the brackets 26, 41 and 50 so that the partition 25 is supported in a plane substantially parallel to the bottom Wall 19 of the housing 11.

In operation, the articles 24 are inserted in the recess 29 in the housing 11. The books 35 on the fiingers 32 mounted onthe partition 25 are then engaged with the bar 34 of the bracket 26 and the partition 25 is pivoted to a closed position. It is maintained in this position by engagement of the aforementioned fasteners 39 and 48 with their respective mating receptacles 41 and 5t While it is in this closed position, partition 25 may be used as a desk or writing surface since it is supported by the brackets 26, 4 1 or St) and 54. When it is desired to remove an article 24 from the recess 20, partition 25 is pivoted to the open position illustrated in FIG. 2. The partition 25 may be maintained in this open position by engagement with the retainers 23. If it is desired to store something in the recess 20 which extends within the recess '21 When the case is closed, the partition 25 is simply removed by disengagement of the fingers 32 and brackets 26.

It is to be noted that the length of the racks 22 43 and 52 are preferably greater than the width of their mating hooks 3 5, 39 and 48. In this manner, the spacing between the fingers 32 is not critical since if the spacing is slightly different than the spacing between the brackets 26, the fingers 32 will still engage the brackets 26 since slight longitudinal movement of the partition 25 within the recess 26* is possible.

What has been described and illustrated is an attach case having pivotably and removably received in the lower housing thereof a partition. The partition functions both to conceal the articles stored in the lower housing of the case and is so supported that it can also function as a desk and a writing surface. When it is desired to have access to the articles stored in the lower housing or compartment of the case, the partition is pivoted to an open position and means are provided for retaining the partition in said open position. It is to be understood that although several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that modifications may be provided therein within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A carrying case comprising a box-like housing having a front wall, a back wall, a lid pivotally attached to said back wall, a desk-like partition shaped to fit within said housing, at least two spaced apart U-shaped receptacle means attached to said back wall and being provided with an inclined plane portion, U-shaped resilient hooking means attached to said partition and being adapted to pivotally' frictionally and releasably engage with said receptacle means, said hooking means having a lip portion which is adapted to frictionally engage with said inclined plane when said partition is in a closed position, two side wall-s of said housing being provided with fixed bracket partition supporting means, and releasable front 7 supporting means being disposed between said front wall and said partition.

2. The carrying case of claim 1 in which said U-s'hapcd receptacle means comprises an elongated base, said inclined plane portion merging from said base, a U-shaped rack being located above said inclined plane portion and projecting outwardly from said base in a direction away from said back wall and whose cross sectional configuration is circumferentially angular, said hooking means comprises at least two fingers attached to said partition near one edge thereof and extending beyond said edge, said fingers having a U-shaped hook portion beyond said edge, said lip portion being positioned beyond said hook portion, whereby said U-shaped hook portion releasably engages said U-shaped rack to permit said partition to be pivoted thereabout.

3. A carrying case comprising a box-like housing having a front wall, a back wall, a lid pivotally attached to said back wall, a desk-like partition shaped to fit within said housing, releasable pivotal rear supporting means being disposed between said back wall and said partition, two side Walls of said housing being provided with fixed bracket partition supporting means, front supporting means disposed between said front wall and said partition, said front supporting means including an elongated base attached to said front wall, an inclined plane portion merging from said base, a U-shaped rack being positioned above said inclined plane portion and projecting outwardly from said base in a direction away from said back wall and whose cross sectional configuration is circumferentially angular; a resilient bracket attached to said partition adjacent said base, said bracket having an S-shaped hook portion extending beyond said partition, a lip portion extending beyond said hook portion, said S-shaped book being removiably frictionally' engageable with said U-shaped rack, and said lip portion being removably frictionally engageable with said inclined plane portion.

4. A carrying case comprising a box-like housing having a front wall, a back wall, a lid pivotally attached to said back wall, ta. desk-like partition shaped to fit within said housing, releasable pivotal rear supporting means being disposed between said back wall and said partition, two side walls of said housing being provided with fixed bracket partition supporting means, front supporting means disposed between said front wall and said partition, said front supporting means including a U-shaped rack attached to said front wall, a resilient bracket attached to said partition adjacent said rack, said bracket having a U-shaped hook portion extending eyond said partition, an inwardly extending projection being located on the free end of said hook portion, said bracket being removably frictionally engageable with said rack.

5. A carrying case comprising a box-like housing having a front wall, a back wall, a lid pivotally attached to said back wall, a desk-like partition shaped to fit within said housing, releasable pivotal rear supporting means being disposed between said back wall and said partition, two side walls of said housing being provided with fixed bracket partition supporting means, front supporting means disposed between said front wall and said partition, said front supporting means including a U-shaped rack attached to said front Wall, a resilient bracket affixed to said partition adjacent said rack, said bracket having a pair of arms extending beyond said partition forming substantially U-shaped port-ions, and the free ends of said U-shaped portions coacting to form a substantially 0- shaped snap adapted for removably receiving said U- shaped rack.

6. A carrying case comprising a box-like housing having a front wall, a back wall, a lid pivotaliy attached to said back wall, a desk-like partition shaped to fit within said housing, releasable pivotal rear supporting means being disposed between said back wall and said partition, two side Walls of said housing being provided with fixed bracket partition supporting means, front supporting means disposed between said front wall and said part-ition, said front supporting means including a shelf-like projection attached to said front wall, a resilient bracket affixed to said partition adjacent said projection, said bracket having a W-shaped snap portion extending beyondsaid partition, the center of which is adapted to removably' receive said shelf-like projection.

7. The carrying case of claim 6 in which said bracket further comprises a pull-tab formed by bending the central portion of said bracket over upon itself, and said pull-tab extending upwardly of said partition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 610,010 Winter -1 Aug. 30, 1898 667,334 Rangnow Feb. 5, 1901 943,515 Brown Dec. 14, 1909 1,533,494 Billburg Aug. 14, 1925 1,610,146 Panzer Dec. 7, 1926 2,565,636 Tinnerman Aug. 28, 1951 2,602,956 Reynolds July 15, 1952 

1. A CARRYING CASE COMPRISING A BOX-LIKE HOUSING HAVING A FRONT WALL, A BACK WALL, A LID PIVOTALLY ATTACHED TO SAID BACK WALL, A DESK-LIKE PARTITION SHAPED TO FIT WITHIN SAID HOUSING, AT LEAST TWO SPACED APART U-SHAPED RECEPTACLE MEANS ATTACHED TO SAID BACK WALL AND BEING PROVIDED WITH AN INCLINED PLANE PORTION, U-SHAPED RESILIENT HOOKING MEANS ATTACHED TO SAID PARTITION AND BEING ADAPTED TO PIVOTALLY FRICTIONALLY AND RELEASABLY ENGAGE WITH SAID RECEPTACLE MEANS, SAID HOOKING MEANS HAVING A LIP PORTION WHICH IS ADAPTED TO FRICTIONALLY ENGAGE WITH SAID 